Adelynn felt her heart stutter from surprise - and, as much as she hated to admit it to herself, from fear as well.

“Get back,” Adelynn said hoarsely, jumping from the bed and positioning herself so that it was between her and the Firewalker. It was poor cover, but there was only the bed and the chair in the room. And her stones were gone. She was defenseless.

Neba raised her hands and Adelynn dropped into a crouch beside the bed, readying herself to run to the door and shout for one of the Firewalkers outside to open it.

But no fire ignited around Neba’s hands. The Firewalker shook her head and took a step back, away from Adelynn.

“I’m not here to hurt you,” Neba said in a low voice. “I’m here to rescue you.”